Category: Poland

Poznan, an important polish cultural & business hub is situated at a distance of around 275 Km from Berlin. There is a lot of historical & culturally rich places to see in Poznan. Here are the places to see in Poznan in one day and my traveling experience to Poznan from Berlin.

Why Poznan?

Why I chose Poznan as my next tourist destination from Berlin? First thing, I was very much excited in the history of the second world war. Secondly, I also wanted to experience the Eastern European culture. Although I had decided to go to Warsaw first then, I changed my plan and thought of going to Poznan instead.

How to reach Poznan from Berlin?

I would not suggest going by train from Berlin to Poznan instead you should take a bus. They are faster to the train and you reach early as well. There are a lot of buses available from Berlin to Poznan. Forget not to take the student discount, if you are eligible.
Now here are the places that were on my list to see in Poznan.

Stary Rynek, Old town square – Poznan

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Stary Rynek should be on the first position on the list of places to see in Poznan. I must admit that this is a marvelously built place where you can still feel the existence of medieval Europe, second world war and the modern Europe at the same time.

Cafes and bars lined up in the old town square, the second world war museum, the town hall & the church together resemble the history from the medieval time to the modern time.

Stary Rynek is said to have one of the largest old town squares in Europe. It is almost square in shape surrounded by hotels and lined up with cafes and bars. If you are planning to visit Poznan then you must stay near this place so that you can enjoy the nightlife. Just after the sunset, check in any of the cafes, sit and watch the world go by.

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Beautiful Polish ladies, Sun setting over the church, Polish police, nice vodka, tourists flocking in, fire glasses and sitting wrapped in a blanket in open cafes under the temporary roof of the cafes will just make your day. Also, forget not to try different types of cocktails made with Vodka there.

I had visited all the places to see in Poznan during the day and evening, I just loved relaxing in the old town square with a glass of beer in my hand and watching football being played on the TV in cafes. On both of the days of my visit to Poznan, I had just made sure I had my evening saved for the old town square and then the party.

Within a walking distance, there are many places to see in Poznan old town square.

Poznan Townhall:

Built in the 13-14th century, Poznan town hall reflects the grandeur of the medieval Europe located perfectly in the center of the old town square in the 21st century. There is an entry fee there and more than that, it has a lot to offer to see.

It’s beautiful ceiling, royal hall, court room, entrance hall all tells the tales of how magnificent this building must have been in the medieval times.

The Second world war Museum: The Rising Museum

To me, one of the most interesting parts was the visit to the second world war museum or the Rising Museum in Poznan. It is an underground Museum which looks more like an arsenal.

It has weaponry from the second world war like old motorcycle, machine gun, radio & transmitter, type writer, canon balls, gas mask, fuel cans etc. Moreover, they also keep on playing a war music in the background which would almost make you feel like you were transported back into the second world war.

Just before entering, you will also be greeted by the guards who would be dressed in the second world war outfits which you give you the feel and set your mood right for the things coming ahead.

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Short Scary yet Interesting Video of Inside the Rising Museum in Poznan simulating the second world war:

Ostrów Tumski (Cathedral Island)

Ostrów Tumski is also called as the Cathedral island because of the cathedral of St. John the Baptist, a church. This place is in fact almost like an island as its name suggests because unlike most of the places to see in Poznan, this is located on the corner of the city.

Ostrow Tumski is located on the other side of river Oder. This island was supposed to be inhabited by the people who were somehow related to the church. So it housed priests, monks, bishops etc.

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The church of cathedral of St. John the Baptist was destroyed in the second world war and when I visited this place, it was still being erected. You can spend some time there.

However, I would also suggest you spend some time by the river Oder there. It would not be so crowded. It’s a soothing and relaxing place to visit.

Stary Browar – The Old Brewery, Poznan

Once used to be a brewery, the Stary Browar is now a Shopping, Arts and Business Center. It is a shopping mall with many shops and restaurants. To preserve its architecture, it has been converted into a shopping complex now. It is another one of the places to see in Poznan.

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Adam Mickiewicz University

This was the first place we saw when we reached Poznan. I would consider myself lucky because I guess convocation of the students was going on and that was a fun to watch. Students were lined up in black gowns and the University was decorated nicely.

It was nice to interact with the students although English was a small barrier in our conversation but overall, it was really a fun.